MADISON – Today, Rep. Mandela Barnes (D – Milwaukee) – ranking Democratic member on the Assembly Corrections Committee – joined fellow committee members Sondy Pope (D – Cross Plains) and David Bowen (D – Milwaukee) in calling for a formal hearing on investigations of alleged abuses and potentially criminal behavior at the state-operated Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls facility:

“I continue to be shocked by the appalling allegations of cruel, unjust, and potentially criminal behavior at the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls facility. Especially given that Republican legislators were made aware of reports of unsafe behavior and a toxic environment at Lincoln Hills in March – and with Walker administration officials having knowledge of such reports up to a year ago – it is time shed light on these allegations and provide the public an opportunity to examine the systemic failures within our state corrections system.

“Unfortunately, it has come to state and federal investigations to showcase that yet another piece of our state government has spiraled out of control under the mismanagement of Gov. Walker. It is time for us, as legislators who represent the communities of the youth and staff at Lincoln Hills, to stand up and demand answers to the decisions and actions that have jeopardized the safety and security of those at the facility.”

A copy of the letter requesting a hearing is attached to this press release.